What should I think about before getting turkeys?
Turkeys need more space, more feed and more attention than chickens. Poults can be fragile in the first weeks. Think about whether you are raising them for meat, for breeding or as pets, since the answer affects breed, housing and timing.
Check zoning and any rules on poultry. If you plan to process turkeys for meat or sell them, ask your state agriculture department what applies, since slaughter and sales rules vary.
Be honest about your reasons. People often buy turkeys for a holiday and are surprised by how long the growing period is and how much feed it takes, so work out the timeline backward from when you want the birds. Look at costs by category as well: poults, brooder supplies, feed, housing, fencing, processing and storage, and plan your budget with local quotes instead of guesses.
What types and breeds are there?
Some turkeys are bred for fast growth and a large size and often cannot breed naturally. Heritage breeds grow more slowly and are hardier, and can breed on their own. Each type has different needs for feed, health and handling.
Ask local keepers and your extension office which type suits your goals and climate, and buy from a source that follows good health practices.
Ask about the hatchery's testing and how poults are shipped, since early stress and disease are common causes of loss in turkeys.
- Fast-growing types: big and quick, with health risks
- Heritage types: slower, hardy, able to breed naturally
- Source with health testing and good practices
How do I brood poults?
Poults need a warm, dry, draft-free brooder with safe heat, clean bedding, appropriate starter feed and fresh water. Some poults are slow to find food and water, so watch them closely in the first days and show them where it is.
Follow current extension guidance on brooder setup, and avoid fire risks from heat sources. Keep the brooder clean and dry, since damp conditions cause trouble quickly.
Poults are prone to chilling and to wandering off feed, so check them often and keep the brooder steady. Ask your extension office for guidance on how to ease them out of the brooder as they feather.
What housing and space do turkeys need?
Turkeys need a roomy, ventilated, secure shelter and a safe outdoor space. They roost, so provide sturdy, high perches as they grow. Crowding leads to injury and disease. Check extension guidance for space recommendations.
Predator-proof the shelter, close birds in at night and protect them from hawks and ground predators. Adult turkeys can fly, so think about fence height and cover.
Heavy birds can develop leg and foot trouble on hard or wet surfaces, so provide dry, clean footing and roosts suited to their size.
What do turkeys eat?
Turkeys need a feed with higher protein early in life, and nutrition changes as they grow. Use feed formulated for turkeys or as your extension office advises. Chicken feed may not be suitable at some stages, so ask first.
Provide clean water, grit as needed, and keep feed dry. Birds on pasture can forage but still need a balanced diet.
Think ahead about processing. If you plan to butcher at home or sell birds, learn the rules and the sanitation steps well before the birds are mature, since waiting until the last minute leads to mistakes.
Can I keep turkeys with chickens?
Many keepers advise against mixing turkeys and chickens, because chickens can carry diseases that are far more serious for turkeys. Talk to a vet or your extension office about risks and about housing species apart.
If you do keep multiple species, use separate housing, separate equipment and strict hygiene, and ask about current guidance. Turkeys are especially sensitive to diseases that chickens often carry without showing signs, so separation is a matter of caution rather than a rule, and your vet can tell you what applies in your area.
What health and safety issues come up?
Watch for birds that are weak, off feed, breathing with difficulty or showing abnormal droppings, and call a vet who sees poultry. Large birds can injure people, especially breeding males, so handle with care and keep children supervised.
Ask your state veterinarian's office about disease reporting and biosecurity. If you plan to process birds, learn food safety from USDA and extension guidance and follow local rules. Keep an eye on weight, leg strength and breathing as birds grow, and write down changes. Heavy birds are prone to trouble when the weather turns hot, so provide shade, airflow and plenty of cool water, and avoid moving or crowding them in the heat.
Key takeaways
- Turkeys need more space and care than chickens, and poults are fragile.
- Choose fast-growing or heritage types to match your goals.
- Brood carefully and use feed made for turkeys.
- Be cautious about mixing turkeys with chickens.
- Check slaughter and sales rules before you process or sell.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Homestead & Small Farm Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.